Famous Artists, Success, & An Elephant

Desk of the Artist - by @ArtofChelleElle

Artists throughout history have changed the way we look at things and have given us new perspectives. Their work helps us feel, think, see, and interact with our world. But, there are so many artists and creatives that you never hear about. Or, there are those who "make it", but it isn't until years and years and years after they have already passed that they are even recognized. Perhaps some people are ahead of their time.

But, while thinking about the purpose of an artist, I have to address an elephant in the room, one that I think can eat dreams and crush spirits with its enormous feet... and that is the subject of fame and success.

Fame and success are things I think many of us artists strive for. I know I do. And to be honest, it's a cool goal in theory, but what does it really mean to be "famous" or "successful"? And is there really a point to it?

For some, fame and success may mean getting artwork installed in a gallery. It may mean painting the portrait of someone in a high position. It may mean making a lot of money. It may be opening a shop. Etc.

For me, lately, fame and success have meant something like having a lot of likes or follows on social media, or having lots of clients, or even compliments on my work. I've placed my value as a person and as an artist in the hands of others and their opinions (*and may I add that your value should not be determined by another person - but, you do have to face opinions when you do anything publicly, such as art*). And as an artist, that's kind of what you have to do. However, there has to be some healthy limit there, right?

But, I've realized something; you can never have enough likes or followers or whatever it may be to find yourself truly satisfied with your level of "fame" or "success". Don't get me wrong, I think it's lovely to have lots of people appreciating the work of creatives. It's fantastic! But, as an artist and a human being, I can tell you that you'll always want more.

Angry Cartoon Elephant by @ArtofChelleElle

As for that elephant, I have to say that it's brought me some very debilitating thoughts. Things like "I'm not good enough.", "Why do I even bother doing this whole art thing if no one cares about my work?", or "I should just quit and move on to something else that is certain or stable."

Honestly, it's taken lots of community support and a few church sermons to keep me in the creative game. And to give me a new perspective.

Someone recently said something to me that struck me; "You only hear about the big success stories." There are many artists who start out, try, and give up. There are even those who are simply driving along in their career and maintaining a steady flow of work, and even still, there are incredibly talented artists who are known to a select few, but don't have a huge following. There are many situations within the artistic community, but even in other industries, you don't typically hear about the everyday person's story. It's a shame, too, because everyone's got really cool stories to share, and ones that can help encourage others!

New Goals

Something I've come to realize is that perhaps my goals need to be shifted. Perhaps it isn't about the amount of followers I generate or the amount of clients flowing in. Perhaps in this season, it is that I should stand in, and for, what I'm doing and although it's hard and I'm "un-famous", I should keep going. I should be honest. I should share my journey and help others stand in what they are doing and realize their passions are not impossible.

Story Time

For me, my journey is this: I did a near complete career and industry change. Guys, I thought I'd be some crazy successful business woman / marketing mogul speaking 10 different languages and traveling the world constantly. I was THAT girl in college, involved in everything, a leader in this or that, constantly trying to build up my portfolio of success. But, despite all of the well-intended pursuits that I had, I knew deep down in my heart that all I wanted to do was draw. Draw, draw, draw. Okay, not ONLY draw. I love speaking the languages I know and communicating with people, helping people with the skills I've learned, writing, etc. and all, but you shouldn't deny a true passion when it surfaces. It will just eat away at you.

When I made my career switch, I was so afraid of failing and falling on my face. It took me YEARS to get to where I was comfortable enough to do something about my passion for art, especially after being told so many times in different ways that art was not valuable or that it wasn't worth pursuing. But, I knew what I loved and what I wanted to do. Thankfully, there are people around me to support me and keep me standing and even encourage me to go down my passion path, but that's sadly not always the case for everyone.

And that brings me to my point:

In my roundabout way, here's what I'm trying to say. Maybe your presence on social media, in your community, in your country, in the world... maybe it's an example for others to see so that they can succeed and know what's possible! Maybe your standing for / in something will help the next great rocket scientist get us to Mars. Or, maybe your confidence and passion will help the next Michelangelo find their place despite a discouraging or difficult environment. Maybe, your kindness or your love or your dedication to teaching children will help them grow up to be world changers. Maybe your success is in helping others succeed. Just a thought. :) Guys, the sky is the limit.

And you know what, my goals are shifting and changing as I grow and learn. Do I want people to know my art and appreciate it? ABSOLUTELY! I'd love for someone to find me on Instagram or Tumblr and go, "Wow, that's our next so-and so" and contract me for the next big kid's book or animated feature. But, I think that for now, I'll just keep turning the page in my sketchbook, improving my skills, and keep my focus on being someone who stands and when standing, stand firm for myself and for others in what I love.

What do you feel called to stand in?